Criminality and Suggestibility

I interviewed Ed, a young man who
found himself caught up in more than he bargained for. Having gone along with
some friends to ostensibly get some extra money, the situation ended up with a
murdered taxi driver. He and two buddies hailed a cab, then proceeded to rob the
driver. When Ed realized that this was turning into more than he bargained for,
he fled. The driver was murdered by his buddies. I was told that Ed wasn't a criminal
but a fellow who was passive, easily influenced, and readily led by others.

One
often encounters such explanations. I have found them not to be true. Like other
offenders, Ed was suggestible to some things, not to others. His parents were
hardworking, responsible people who tried to "influence" their son in
a positive direction. He was not influenced by their work ethic. Nor was he suggestible
to their urging him to stay away from certain troublemakers. He was, however,
suggestible to so-called friends who proposed exciting adventures, including committing
crimes.

People are suggestible to some things, not to others. We make choices
all the time. We are open to some influences, not to others. Ed persisted in the
choice of unsavory companions despite influences to the contrary.

He paid
a price with a long penitentiary sentence. Explaining what happened partly on
the basis of his "suggestibility" confuses more than illuminates what
really happened and the true personality of Ed.